Case Study: Water Utility - Pump Station

Amherst (pronounced Am-erst by the locals), is the most populous town in Hampshire County. It features an idyllic city center and is known as an intellectual hub, playing host to three prestigious colleges: Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. It was also home to several notable historical figures, including authors Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, and Noah Webster, who wrote An American Dictionary of the English Language. Tourists will enjoy diverse restaurants, museums, art galleries, locally-brewed beer, a nearby winery, bookstores, and more—all flanked by historical architecture and blooming flower gardens.

The full-time local population is relatively small; 37,819 residents. When school is in session, however, an estimated 30,000 students almost double the population. The significant load on the town’s infrastructure, including the sewer and water systems, keeps the Amherst maintenance and electrical departments busy.

The town’s water and sewer systems rely on power supplied by the local utility. In case of a power outage, emergency standby generators take over to prevent water shortages and sewage backups. To keep the infrastructure operating reliably, the town implemented a longrange plan to periodically update and replace its emergency power equipment. It wanted generators that were reliable and that produced little noise, since the locations of the generator sets are often in residential neighborhoods. Town representatives also wanted to reduce purchasing complexity while ensuring a competitive price. For guidance, they turned to Sean Hall, Sales Engineer, at Kinsley Power Systems, Rehlko's authorized distributor for the Northeast. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in East Granby, Connecticut, Kinsley Power Systems is an energy solutions provider specializing in working collaboratively with customers to ensure project success. The Town of Amherst has relied on Kinsley Power Systems for other projects.

The Puffton site’s solution includes a Rehlko KG50 natural gas generator set, featuring the unique Rehlko FastResponse® permanent-magnet alternator for excellent voltage response and short circuit capability. The generator set also features a Rehlko-designed APM402 controller for one-source system integration and remote communication. The controller provides metering, control and diagnostics for the generator set, and features a digital display and rotary push-button dial for easy access to data. An integrated voltage regulator maintains consistent voltage output and a builtin alternator overload protection circuit ensures safe generator operation. The corresponding Rehlko KSS-AFTC-0080S standard transition automatic transfer switch provides fast, automatic changeovers from grid to generator set. It also features front-accessible contacts for easy inspection. A NEMA 3R enclosure protects the switch from the elements, ensuring reliable operation.

The integrated solution also includes a UL-2200 Listed, sound-attenuated steel enclosure, designed to meet a 150 mph wind-load rating. It also features fade-, scratch-, and corrosion-resistant Rehlko Power Armor automotive-grade textured finish to resist inclement weather. The enclosure also meets UL 94 HF1 flammability classification and repels moisture absorption. A block heater ensures reliable operation during cold winter months. Easily accessible enclosure doors and panels facilitate service. Rehlko Co. provides one-source responsibility for the generating systems and accessories.

The Mill Valley solution features a natural gas, Rehlko generator set with an aluminum, sound-attenuated, corrosion-resistant enclosure, and block heater.

To facilitate the procurement process, Sean Hall at Kinsley Power Systems relied on Rehlko as a Sourcewell vendor. Sourcewell is a cooperative purchasing organization for educational, governmental, and nonprofit groups. It makes purchasing more efficient. Using Sourcewell gave the Town of Amherst full access, via Kinsley Power Systems, to Rehlko’s complete line of power generation solutions, saving time, reducing administrative costs, controlling product costs, and managing risk. According to Hall, “The Town of Amherst has used Sourcewell before and they have become accustomed to the streamlined purchasing process. Further, they know they are getting equipment that has been pre-bid and available with contract pricing.”

The integrated emergency standby power solutions from Rehlko have performed exceptionally well. Amherst’s electrical and maintenance staff know from experience they can rely on Rehlko products to perform reliably, every time. Further, Sourcewell made the entire process easy and fast.